The ruling on brushing teeth while fasting

The Ruling on Brushing Teeth While Fasting

Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and holds immense spiritual significance. During this time, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset, all while striving to purify their hearts, enhance their spirituality, and earn the mercy of Allah (SWT).

As part of the fasting experience, Muslims also adhere to a set of rules and guidelines that govern what is permissible and impermissible while fasting. One of the common questions that arise during Ramadan is whether brushing teeth breaks the fast. In this detailed blog post, we will examine the ruling on brushing teeth while fasting, supported by Quranic verses and Hadith, and offer clarity on how this practice should be approached to ensure that one’s fast remains valid.

Fasting in Islam: A Quick Overview

Fasting (sawm) during the month of Ramadan is an act of worship that serves to purify the soul, increase one’s consciousness of Allah (SWT), and cultivate self-discipline. The fast involves abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations during the daylight hours, starting from dawn (fajr) until sunset (maghrib). The purpose of fasting is to attain taqwa (God-consciousness) and to fulfill the divine command as outlined in the Quran.

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)

In addition to abstaining from physical sustenance, fasting is also about maintaining a high standard of morality, patience, and devotion. During this time, Muslims are encouraged to engage in acts of worship, such as prayer, reading the Quran, and charity, to draw closer to Allah.

The Question of Brushing Teeth While Fasting

Brushing teeth is an everyday hygienic practice that many people use to maintain oral cleanliness and freshness. However, it can raise concerns among fasting Muslims: Does brushing teeth invalidate the fast? The question arises because of the potential for toothpaste or water to be swallowed accidentally during the act of brushing. To address this concern, we will look at various Islamic sources and scholarly opinions.

The Ruling in Islam Regarding Brushing Teeth While Fasting

Islamic scholars have differing views on whether brushing teeth while fasting invalidates the fast. These views are based on a careful consideration of the Quran, Hadith, and the principles of Islamic jurisprudence. It is important to understand that the ruling on this matter depends on factors such as intention, technique, and the likelihood of swallowing something unintentionally. Let’s examine the different perspectives.

The View that Brushing Teeth Does Not Break the Fast

Many scholars from the various Islamic schools of thought hold the view that brushing teeth while fasting does not break the fast, provided that certain precautions are taken. This view is supported by the general principle that the fast is only broken by the deliberate ingestion of food, drink, or anything that reaches the stomach. The act of brushing teeth is considered a hygienic practice, and as long as no substance is intentionally swallowed, it does not invalidate the fast.

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was known to maintain personal hygiene, including oral cleanliness, during Ramadan. There are multiple Hadith that show the Prophet (SAW) used a miswak (a natural teeth cleaning tool) to clean his teeth during fasting without invalidating his fast. One example is the Hadith narrated by Aisha (RA):

كَانَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ يَسْتَاكُ وَهُوَ صَائِمٌ، وَلَمْ أَسْمَعْهُ يَقُولُ إِنَّهُ يَفْطُرُ

“The Prophet (SAW) used to use the miswak (tooth stick) while fasting, and I never heard him say that it broke the fast.” (Sahih Bukhari)

This Hadith shows that brushing or cleaning the teeth, whether with a miswak or a toothbrush, does not invalidate the fast, as long as care is taken to avoid swallowing any substance.

The Concern of Swallowing and Accidental Intake

While it is generally accepted that brushing teeth does not break the fast, Islamic scholars emphasize that the individual should be cautious when brushing. The primary concern is the risk of accidentally swallowing toothpaste, water, or any particles during the act of brushing. If anything is swallowed intentionally, the fast is broken, but if it is done out of forgetfulness or accident, it does not invalidate the fast.

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

مَنْ نَسِيَ وَهُوَ صَائِمٌ فَأَكَلَ أَوْ شَرِبَ، فَلْيُتِمَّ صَوْمَهُ، فَإِنَّمَا أَطْعَمَهُ اللَّهُ وَسَقَاهُ

“If someone eats or drinks out of forgetfulness, let him complete his fast, for what he has eaten or drunk has been given to him by Allah.” (Sahih Bukhari)

This Hadith confirms that if something is ingested unintentionally, it does not break the fast, and the person should continue fasting without penalty.

Therefore, when brushing teeth while fasting, it is recommended to be cautious by using a minimal amount of toothpaste, avoiding excessive water in the mouth, and ensuring that no toothpaste or water is swallowed intentionally. If a person feels uncertain, they can choose to brush their teeth during the non-fasting hours, such as after Iftar or before Suhoor, to avoid any risk.

The Use of Miswak During Fasting

The miswak is a traditional teeth-cleaning tool that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used regularly. The miswak is derived from the Salvadora persica tree, and it has been praised in the Hadith for its benefits in oral hygiene and its spiritual virtues. The miswak is often recommended for use during fasting, as it does not involve the same risks as toothpaste and is believed to be less likely to cause ingestion of substances that could invalidate the fast.

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

السِّوَاكُ مَطْهَرَةٌ لِلْفَمِ مَرْضَاةٌ لِلرَّبِّ

“The miswak cleanses the mouth and pleases the Lord.” (Sahih Muslim)

While the use of the miswak is recommended, it is not obligatory. However, it serves as a reminder that maintaining cleanliness during fasting is important and that using tools like the miswak can help avoid any risks associated with toothpaste.

The Ruling on Using Toothpaste

Using toothpaste while fasting is permissible, but with caution. If a person uses toothpaste, they should be careful not to swallow any toothpaste, even accidentally. Scholars advise that if someone is in doubt or worries about the potential risk of swallowing toothpaste, they may choose to refrain from using it altogether during the fasting hours and instead clean their teeth with a wet toothbrush or a miswak. However, if they choose to use toothpaste, they should ensure that they rinse their mouth thoroughly to remove any remaining toothpaste.

وَهُوَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ فِي سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ وَكَانَ عَرْشُهُ عَلَى الْمَاءِ لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا

“And He it is who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and His throne was over the water, that He might try you, which of you is best in deed.” (Surah Hud 11:7)

This verse reinforces the idea that Allah’s laws and commands are meant for our benefit, and adhering to them helps us maintain purity, both physically and spiritually.

The Importance of Maintaining Personal Hygiene During Ramadan

Islam places great emphasis on cleanliness and personal hygiene, and this extends to fasting during Ramadan. While fasting involves abstaining from food and drink, it does not mean neglecting personal hygiene. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) emphasized the importance of cleanliness, as demonstrated in numerous Hadith, such as the one about using the miswak during fasting. It is clear from these teachings that maintaining cleanliness, including oral hygiene, is encouraged even during the fasting hours.

الطُّهُورُ شَطْرُ الْإِيمَانِ

“Cleanliness is half of faith.” (Sahih Muslim)

Although fasting requires Muslims to refrain from certain physical needs, the Prophet (SAW) consistently demonstrated that one could still maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness, which includes brushing teeth during the fast, as long as it is done with care.

Practical Tips for Brushing Teeth While Fasting

To ensure that brushing teeth does not invalidate the fast, here are some practical tips:

• Brush Teeth Gently: Use a small amount of toothpaste and avoid vigorous brushing that could lead to swallowing toothpaste or water.
• Rinse Thoroughly: After brushing, make sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly to remove any remaining toothpaste.
• Use a Miswak: If you are concerned about using toothpaste, consider using a miswak, as it is a Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) and carries spiritual benefits.
• Brush Before Suhoor or After Iftar: If you are unsure about the risks, you can brush your teeth before the fast begins (during Suhoor) or after breaking the fast (during Iftar).

Conclusion

Brushing teeth while fasting is permissible in Islam, as long as it is done carefully to avoid swallowing anything unintentionally. The ruling on this practice is clear: as long as the act of brushing teeth does not involve ingesting toothpaste or water, it does not break the fast. The use of the miswak is also recommended, as it was a practice beloved by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Ultimately, maintaining personal hygiene while fasting is an important part of preserving both physical and spiritual purity. By adhering to the etiquettes outlined in the Quran and Hadith, Muslims can ensure that their fast remains valid while keeping their mouths clean and fresh. May Allah grant us the ability to observe the fast correctly and reward us for our efforts. Ameen.